Lance leans against on the couch, feeling tired and drunk. He loosens the collar on his shirt and undoes the top buttons, revealing his strong, tan chest. He gazes at Andrea like a panther targeting its prey. They stare each other down for a moment, but Andres talks first.
“I gave her the dress,” she says simply.
She can’t tell him the reason she gave Janetta the dress: Lance would be furious to hear about Charles’ ring.
“Did you hear me?” she asks.
Lance’s eyes are dark as he responds, “I know.”
“Then why did you slap her?” Andrea asks in confusion, “Why couldn’t you allow her to wear the dress. If it was so important you should be mad at me, not her.”
“I couldn’t bear that,” Lance whispers, almost to himself.
Andrea wonders if the frantic beat of her heart is audible. For a brief
